7 Things You Should Know When Having A Taxi In Phuket, Thailand

Besides the BTS and MRT, the simplest and most convenient way to obtain around Phuket is by taxi. Most taxis are new, spacious and, as well as the standard green-yellow and red-blue, they are also available in funky colours like bright orange, red and even pink. Getting a taxi is not really a hassle, especially around hotels, shopping malls and other tourist attractions.

However, you're set for really a long wait when it rains, and during rush hours. The fare starts at 35 baht, and stays there for the very first two kilometres. Thereafter, the fare gradually works its way up with 2 baht at any given time (roughly per kilometre). A surcharge applies in traffic jams (1.25 baht per metre when moving under 6 km per hour). Typical taxi fares for going a couple of kilometres are about 50 baht. Communication could be a problem with nearly all Phuket's taxi drivers while they often speak little English. Improvise, and be imaginative.

Overall, there's never a lack of taxis in an area that never sleeps, excepts when it starts raining of course. When you have just about any concerns with regards to in which and also tips on how to use Phuket Airport Taxi Service, you are able to e-mail us with the website. They're cheap and available virtually 24 hours a day. Meter taxis now predominate, but sometimes you may have to politely (but firmly) inquire further to modify the meter on to truly save negotiating later. Since taxis are cheap and the drivers work all hours in traffic that is legendary, a small tip is usually appreciated.

Taxi Colour Codes?
Phuket taxis are famous to be very colourful, especially the pink ones: What this means is nothing to us, those are simply different companies and fares and features will be the same.

How exactly to Spot Available Taxis
Available taxis are those with the glowing red vacant sign.

Fair Fares
No need to negotiate the fare as all taxis in Phuket are now actually metered (well, kind of anyway). A driver refusing to utilize a meter is a sign of a suspicious agenda. If he insists on providing you a fixed fare, rather than using the meter, it's best to locate another cab. Taxis standing by facing hotels usually are suspicious.

Unwilling Drivers
Don't be surprised if the driver will not get you where you desire to go. While there's little you are able to do about it you can are accountable to Land Transport Department Hotline on 1584 and report the taxi if you were fast enough to take a picture of the vehicle plate (plates are both inside and beyond your cab). Alternatively you can download this app DLT Taxi to report the taxi. Better try your luck with the next taxi.

Flagging a Taxi
It's ok to get a taxi at a coach stop when there's no bus approaching, otherwise you can be prepared to be honked at.

Clueless Taxis
Don't expect Phuket taxi drivers to know the city's every nook and cranny, as a driver qualification exam isn't required. It's always advisable to transport a place, or the name and the place of where you're going to written in Thai. (Pick up a resort card when leaving your hotel if you are in a tiny street of Phuket)

Watch when stepping out!
Look behind you and make certain there's no motorcycle coming when you open a vehicle door. It is rather common for passengers to open the doorway without looking, and have a motorcycle slam into it. This may cause serious injury to the motorcycle driver, the taxi passenger, along with considerable injury to the taxi itself.